ASTROGRAPH

Published: December 23, 2011 1:00 PM

Conditions in general look to be extremely encouraging in the year ahead, but you're likely to be rewarded the most when you're able to do things that everybody else has given up on.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Just because an acquaintance asks to borrow something, it doesn't mean you have to loan it out. If it's something you greatly value, think twice before you say yes.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Be sure the objectives you set for yourself represent what you truly want. If you want to make this day special, don't waste your time getting caught up in onerous tasks.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Be careful about assuming any new responsibilities. If you get caught up in something you don't know how to do, it could ruin the day for you and everyone involved.

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ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Examine in detail a proposal or idea brought to you by someone with whom you've never had contact previously. It might work better in theory than in practice.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Someone new whom you partner up with for holiday purposes might not share the same objectives as you, yet when you start pulling together, the results could be dynamic.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Just because your careful plans get bogged down is no reason to experiment with something totally untested that you know you normally wouldn't enjoy.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Don't take a gamble if you're uncertain of the outcome and how it might affect others. If possible, stick close to what you've always done in the past.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Major decisions that affect the entire household should not be made independently. You could overlook something really important if you act without input from your kin.

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VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Be exceptionally careful when working with unfamiliar tools or materials. Read the directions carefully and don't pull switches or push buttons if you don't know what the results will be.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- If you're contemplating buying something expensive that the family will have to live with for a long time, do a lot of comparison shopping before making a purchase.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- You could easily throw the entire household in disarray by trying to gratify your own priorities without checking to see if they interfere with anybody else's. Check with the clan first.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Usually you're pretty good at keeping secrets, but what you know might be too exciting to keep to yourself. Don't ruin something fun for the others.

Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011

It looks like you will become intimately involved with two adventurous groups in the year ahead, increasing your social activities tremendously. One is likely to be strictly social, but the other could be work-related.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Speak up and defend what you think is right, because you have the ability to do so in a manner that won't offend anybody. Use your talent for what it's worth.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- In important activities that require patience and fortitude, you'll have no trouble remaining calm and gracious. You'll draw upon your reserves if necessary.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Those with whom you spend your day will have a pronounced effect upon your attitude. Go-getters will stimulate you, while loved ones will keep you feeling secure and happy.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Once your ambitions are aroused you'll be unyielding in your pursuit of achievement -- so don't waste time on petty pursuits. Make sure your aims are worthy ones.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- People in general aren't listening very well at this moment. Thus, in order to get your points across, you might have to be a bit more colorful than usual, but be careful not to look silly.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- This is the time to be resourceful in making something more useful and functional for yourself and others. You're apt to be extremely clever in how you go about it.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Don't hesitate to stand up for a friend or family member who isn't bold enough to protect his or her interests. This includes kidding that can be fun for some but hurtful to the target.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- It's the perfect time to do what you can to expose someone to more material gifts than he or she is used to. Direct your benevolent efforts toward somebody you love or who has done a lot for you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Who you are and what you represent yourself to be will be greatly admired by those in your company. Your friendly and giving nature will be admired and appreciated by all.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- This is a good time to check on people who are generally alone, so they know they are not forgotten. Make sure they have someplace to go or have someone visiting them with whom they can spend the day.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- If you recently met someone who you would like to know better, this is a perfect time to invite them to join a gathering of friends and/or family in celebration of the holidays.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- You are perfectly equipped to handle situations where boldness is required in order to keep things running smoothly for all. You'll be brave without being brash.